The torrential rain killed a 27-year-old woman and her two children in Mong Duong Ward, while nine people were missing, the provincial flood and storm control and search and rescue committee said early this morning.

It was believed to be the heaviest rainfall in 40 years, the committee said.

According to the committee's quick report, more than 2,800 houses had collapsed and 143ha of crops and about 880 fishing cages had been damaged as 9am today.

Van Don Island District was identified as the locality that suffered the most from the torrential rain.

The authorities have mobilised all resources to deal with the aftermath. However, the remedial efforts faced difficulties because several areas in Cam Pha City and Van Don Island District were isolated by floods triggered by the torrential rains.

The latest information from the National Centre for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting said more torrential rains were expected to hit Quang Ninh and Hai Phong City between tomorrow and Friday.

Heavy rains are expected to hit other provinces and cities in the northern region between Thursday and Sunday this week.

Lang Son and Bac Giang have been put on high alert for flash floods and landslides. — VNS